Dog mental health is a topic that often doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves. With busy lifestyles and demanding jobs, it’s easy for pet parents to overlook their furry friend’s mental well-being.

Partnering with Dr. Jessica Apted, DVM, from Sploot Veterinary Care, we’re here to shed light on this crucial aspect of pet care. Dr. Apted’s expertise in small animal general practice and her deep connection with animals guide these tips to help you keep your dog mentally healthy, even when life gets hectic.

1. Establish a Routine

A consistent routine provides your dog with a sense of security. Even if your work schedule varies, maintaining certain key activities, like morning and evening walks, can help your dog feel more settled and less stressed.

       -Schedule Feeding Times: Keep mealtimes consistent.
       -Regular Walks: Maintain morning and evening walks, even if your schedule changes.
       -Bathroom Breaks and Playtime: Stick to a routine for bathroom breaks and play sessions.

If your schedule is demanding, consider hiring a dog walker to ensure your pup gets regular exercise and mental stimulation.

2. Provide Interactive Toys and Puzzles

Interactive toys and puzzles are fantastic tools for keeping your dog engaged, especially when you’re not home. These toys often dispense treats as a reward for solving a puzzle or finding a hidden treat.

3. Spend Quality Time Regularly

Even with a packed schedule, aim to spend quality time with your dog each day. This doesn’t require hours of play; short, focused interactions can be just as impactful to improve dog mental health.

Quick Quality Time Ideas:

-A quick game of fetch
-A brisk walk
-A few minutes of training

4. Incorporate Regular Training and Mental Exercises

Training isn’t just about behavior improvement; it also provides mental stimulation. Here are some highly effective activities to keep your dog’s mind active:

       -Join Training Classes: Check out our private and group training classes to continually improve your dog’s tricks and obedience.
       -Teaching New Commands: Regularly introduce new commands or tricks.
       -Practicing Existing Skills: Refresh known commands to keep your dog sharp.
       -Mental Exercises: Activities like hide and seek, nose work (scent games), or obedience training can be done in just a few minutes.

5. Facilitate Socialization and Playdates

Dogs thrive on social interaction. Arrange playdates with other dogs or consider attending leashed dog meetups. Visiting a park can also provide valuable social interactions and prevent boredom and loneliness, and improve dog mental health.

Bonus Tip: Utilize Technology

Technology can be a great ally for busy pet parents. Use pet cameras to monitor your dog while you’re away. Some advanced models even allow you to interact with your dog, dispense treats, and play games remotely, providing mental stimulation and helping you stay connected throughout the day.

Dr. Jessica Apted, DVM, Regional Medical Director at Sploot Veterinary Care, brings her extensive expertise in small animal care to this partnership. With a background in urgent care and internal medicine, Dr. Apted emphasizes the importance of mental well-being in dogs. Her passion for the human-animal bond, coupled with her love for traveling and the great outdoors, enriches her approach to veterinary care. Alongside her golden retriever, Harley, Dr. Apted embodies the warmth and community spirit of Sploot Veterinary Care.